Nathan Martin Wins LA Marathon
Nathan Martin clinched the men's title at the 41st Los Angeles Marathon in an incredibly close finish, while 45-year-old Cherono dominated the women's field by a large margin. The race was marked by dramatic moments at the finish line and continued the marathon's tradition of producing breakthrough performances.
The men's race at the 41st Los Angeles Marathon on March 8, 2026, concluded with the closest finish in the event's history. American Nathan Martin, a 36-year-old substitute teacher from Michigan, won the race by a mere 0.01 seconds, with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 16.50 seconds. In a dramatic final sprint to the finish line in Century City, Martin edged out Michael Kimani Kamau of Kenya. Kamau, who had been leading, collapsed just after crossing the finish line and had to be taken away on a stretcher. It was reported that he did not take any fluids during the race. Martin's victory marks the second consecutive year that an American man has won the Los Angeles Marathon. He is also recognized as the fastest U.S.-born Black marathoner, having set his personal best of 2:10:45 at the 2023 Grandma's Marathon. In the women's field, 45-year-old Priscah Cherono of Kenya secured a decisive victory with a time of 2:25:18. The mother of three dominated the race from the start, finishing nearly two minutes ahead of the runner-up, American Kellyn Taylor. Cherono's performance also earned her a $10,000 bonus for winning the "Marathon Chase," a race-within-a-race where the elite women are given a head start over the elite men. She was the first overall finisher to cross the line. A former Olympian in the 5,000 meters, Cherono has made a successful transition to marathon running. The 41st edition of the marathon saw over 27,000 runners navigate a course from Dodger Stadium to Century City. Due to warmer than usual temperatures, organizers allowed runners the option to receive a finisher's medal after completing 18 miles of the race. The men's wheelchair race was won by American Miguel Jimenez Vergara, while Nigeria's Hannan Babalola claimed her third Los Angeles Marathon title in the women's wheelchair division.
